Thomas Sorensen and Sunderland both moved yesterday to quash rumours that the Danish keeper wanted to leave at the end of the season.

S&#xF8;rensen had been quoted in a national newspaper as saying he hoped to leave the Wearside club, as they were not going to be in Europe next season or challenging for the title. The story was alleged to have come from the Danish national team's training camp as they prepared to face the Republic of Ireland tonight.

But the player's agent, Paul Stretford, described the report as a `non-event' and reaffirmed his client's loyalty to Sunderland.

He said: "It's sad that I am once again defending another of my clients about a non-story - because of the statement in a tabloid we find ourselves discussing another non-event.

"The reason I wanted to speak out is because I have talked to Thomas, who is preparing for an international game which is a vital preparation for the World Cup, and the last thing he needs is this sort of speculation interfering with his preparations for that game and also the vital games ahead for Sunderland.

"He, like everyone else associated with the club, is upset by the way this season has panned out and hoped (Sunderland) would have been higher (in the table). Thomas is a man of integrity, a man of honour and he has a contract at Sunderland and will continue to do his best.

"He has certainly been performing very well despite the results at times and he has a contract, which he is fully prepared to honour."

S&#xF8;rensen's current deal with Sunderland runs until the summer of 2004 and vice-chairman John Fickling also denied the player was about to be sold.

He said: "Thomas S&#xF8;rensen is contracted to Sunderland Football Club until June 2004. The club has not placed any valuation on him or been in discussions with any club for his services.

"The priority for the club in the summer is to retain its top players as well as acquire new talent.

"Thomas is very much a part of our long-term plan and we are not interested in selling the player." Meanwhile, former Sunderland defender Andy Melville is determined to prove a point to Fulham boss Jean Tigana when he leads out Wales for the first time tonight.

In the absence of Newcastle's Gary Speed, Melville is almost certain to be handed the captain's armband on the occasion of his 50th cap, moving the defender into Wales' all-time top 20 international appearance holders.

For Melville, such an honour will represent the high point of his career, just days after the low of being on the bench for Fulham's Craven Cottage clash with Spurs.

"Sitting on the bench is not something I'm used to, but I'm hoping playing tomorrow will persuade Jean I should be back in the team," said Melville.